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As long as I can remember I've had a mixed relationship with competition.
The Zen, wise Mark sees no need for a win/lose mentality. As we grow up, the opportunity to compete with others often decreases, and that suits me. My biggest challenge now is to myself, minimizing my many weaknesses and amplifying my strengths to make the most difference I can while I am here. For instance, I shared with you all that I plan to take yoga and in the past I've studied Tai chi, because frankly, I have no problem having enough adrenaline in my life. What is more valuable to me now is to balance the go-go-go with some time to breathe, focus on the present moment, and through that I get a increased awareness of my life. The young Mark who had the opportunity to participate in a relationship with a special beagle appreciates that area of growth.
But I have this guy on my other shoulder. He's pretty competitive. His major fuel is epinephrine and testosterone. To tell you the truth, I've always tolerated his presence for two reasons. One, he gets the job done. Two, he is pretty confident that its all going to come out alright.
He helped me get into veterinary school.
He smiled when I kicked the ball away from someone else when I played soccer.
He orders UFC on pay per view and stays up until 1am
And I'm pretty sure he's behind the Toyota Tundra that I drove away with when I went to look at a Prius a few years ago.
Like it or not, he's part of the person I am. His influence on me has faded through the years, but occasionally I will feel his presence. I've always identified him with the Tim the Toolman Taylor grunt after I do something (typically boneheaded, but occasionally brilliant).
-- if you don't know what I'm talking about Click the link
I had to tell you about the Toolman Mark because I got a phone call from Suzan Bell the other day. As you know, we have participated in Paws on Parade for the past 3 years. We made a team and last year raised over $5,000 to find homes for displaced pets. This year's Paws on Parade is October 9th, 2010.
...and it seems as though we have a challenger in the veterinary division.
Penobscot Veterinary Hospital (Jim was one of the founders...and it now has 6 veterinarians) has challenged us.
Cue the Toolman, screw that Zen guy
What I was going to say to Suzan was "Hey, we'd love to take part in this year's Paws on Parade and we'd love to walk together with Penobscot Vet to represent the veterinary community"
I think what actually came out was " Tell them we'll kick their butts"
Sorry guys, but I signed you all up. We're all going to be walking in Paws on Parade and if you have to reschedule work just tell them that its Mark "The Toolman" Hanks's fault.
Alright, I'm kidding. But I did start a team again. Please check your schedule and see if you can join us.
You can join the team to walk by clicking on the Join this team link at
Last year I pledged a day for each $1,000 we raised. In all actuality I also pledged that Valerie and Erica and some of you would work those days too. Thank you all who donated your time this last year. Yesterday we volunteered the last day from last year's Paws on Parade. We spayed 6 cats and two rabbits, neutered 7 cats, a dog, and 2 rabbits.
Hope to see you there. For those of you who go to this year's Paws on Parade, I promise to do my 'The Toolman' impression. ..but only for you that are present. The rest of you get then Zen guy.
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